Televisionpoint.com Correspondent
NDTV and Astro, a leading South East Asia media group have jointly announced the launch of a 24 hour news, infotainment and lifestyle channel called, Astro Awani, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The language of the channel is primarily Bahasa Indonesia.

The launch of Astro Awani is a significant milestone for the two companies, NDTV and Astro, as it is the first channel launched by NDTV outside of India. With this launch Astro Awani becomes the first news channel in Astro's bouquet, and will be distributed throughout Indonesia on PT Direct Vision's platform, that is currently licensing the 'Astro' trademark. Astro is expected to complete its 20 per cent investment in PT Direct Vision soon.

Commenting on the launch, Prannoy Roy, Chairman and Managing Director, NDTV said, "This is a landmark for NDTV. For India's media industry this is the first time that an Indian company has launched a news and infotainment channel outside India in partnership with an international media company. We regard this as one our most exciting new ventures and look forward to launching many more channels outside India in the future."

"Astro Awani has been launched to provide incisive, up-to-the-minute news, lifestyle, debate, current affairs and infotainment to discerning viewers in Indonesia. By partnering with NDTV, we've ensured that we bring nothing less than the best practices in news gathering and infotainment programming to our viewers." said Nelia Sutrisno, CEO, PT Direct Vision.

Astro Awani fills the need for an information-based channel in Indonesia. Aimed at urban educated viewers around Indonesia, the channel is in the local Indonesian language, Bahasa Indonesia. The content is made up of news bulletins, current affairs shows, lifestyle programming and documentaries.